O PAPEL DA FISIOTERAPIA NA PREVENÇÃO DE QUEDAS EM IDOSOS: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA
O PAPEL DA FISIOTERAPIA NA PREVENÇÃO DE QUEDAS EM IDOSOS: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.82081825091015
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Palavras-chave: Fisioterapia; Idosos; Prevenção de Quedas; Exercício Físico; Reabilitação.
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Keywords: Fall Prevention; Older Adults; Physical Exercise; Physical Therapy; Rehabilitation.
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Abstract: Global population aging leads to progressive and structural changes in the human body, directly impacting functional capacity. Recurrent falls constitute a significant public health concern due to their high incidence, associated complications, healthcare costs, and the psychological, physical, and functional impairments experienced by older adults. To mitigate this issue, physical therapy has demonstrated proven benefits through the prescription and implementation of exercise programs. The objective of this study was to analyze the role of physical therapy in the prevention of falls among older adults. The methodology employed was a narrative bibliographic review, searching and synthesizing relevant information from the LILACS, SciELO, and MEDLINE databases. The descriptors used were: “Physical Therapy and Falls in Older Adults,” “Falls in Older Adults,” and “Physical Therapy and Prevention.” Five articles considered most pertinent to the discussion were selected to compose this review. The results indicate that exercise-based physical therapy interventions significantly contribute to fall prevention, promoting improvements in balance, lower limb muscle strength, proprioception, and reaction time. The efficacy of multifactorial programs was also demonstrated, including combined training (traditional and virtual reality), multi-system exercises, and home-based or community interventions, which resulted in reduced fall risk and lower incidence of serious injuries and fractures. In conclusion, physical therapy, through structured and supervised interventions, plays a fundamental role in promoting active, safe, and functional aging, positively affecting autonomy, quality of life, and the sustainability of healthcare services for older adults.
- Edivania Marques
- Amanda Persson Mascari